In the News:

All adds up for Telstra biz winner

Elise Van AkenThe Kimberley Echo

Thursday, 23 May 2019 3:51PM

Camera IconManaging Director and Founder of Kununurra-based KAS Accounting Solutions Jodie Silvester was the Australian Small Business winner at the 2019 Telstra Business Women's Awards.Picture: Supplied

A Kununurra business woman has been named one of the country’s best at a national ceremony in Sydney last week.

Managing director and founder of KAS Accounting Solutions Jodie Silvester took home the 2019 Telstra Australian Business Women’s Small Business Award for her work with individuals, businesses and not-for-profit organisations in the East Kimberley that would have otherwise been unable to access these services.

The mother of two young sons said it was amazing Telstra recognised such a remote part of Australia and small community like Kununurra.

“I couldn’t have done the work without the community accepting and embracing me, I’m very aware that part of my own success is the community I have grown within,” she said.

“Just because we’re in a small community it doesn’t mean we can’t be big players in our industries.

“I’m passionate about small business, which employs most of Australia.”

KAS has since expanded to include a second office in Darwin, where Ms Silvester is now based.

Ms Silvester became a national finalist after winning the same award at the State finals in Perth two months ago.

Telstra group executive of transformation and people Alex Badenoch, said Ms Silvester and other national winners represent some of Australia’s most inspiring leaders.

“Ms Silvester is an exceptional leader who has achieved so much in such a short amount of time,” she said.

“Not only is she dedicated to helping her staff and her clients, but she also continues to selflessly donate her time to her local community.”

Ms Silvester has served as treasurer at the Ewin Early Learning Centre, Rotary International Kununurra and Kununurra Race Club.